Picking a Dog Handler

SARBC

Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia

Ask the handler how long he/she has been training the dog for search work. What is the dog trained for - track, trail, air scent, water, disaster, avalanche, etc. (Even if the dog can do excellent field track, it does not mean it is trained for search work.)

The handler should be trained in searching, not just dog handling. The handler should show up at the search site with equipment for himself and the dog.

If a backup person goes out with the handler and dog, they should not wear a cologne or perfume, nor should smoking be permitted near the dog.

Note the handlers transport area for the dog. If the dog rides in the car with the handler there should be no air fresheners, as these will affect the dog's sense of smell.

Does the handler let the dog out to socialize with people in the base camp before the search? Some dogs need to be socialized after a long trip. It gives them a chance to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. Generally, the dog should be kept away from people until it is needed for the task, as it will be more eager to work and properly rested. After each assignment the handler should attend to the dog's needs before his own. Then put the dog back in his quiet area.

Handler should not be reluctant to allow the search manager or backup person to meet the dog. Take note of the dog's temperament. It should have a reasonably friendly personality.

A medium to large size dog can handle rough terrain better, and has better endurance.

Check whether the handler uses a collar or harness on the dog. If either is used, it should be the harness.

If handler and dog are to be transported in a SAR vehicle, the handler should ask questions about smoking on board, other people wearing colognes, or whether the vehicle was/is used to transport fuel.

A handler should have a good knowledge of how weather and terrain can affect a track, and be able to explain this to the search manager for planning.

Most search dogs work from a scent article which the handler usually likes to get to prevent scent contamination. If, however, it is beneficial to have someone else pick up the article, the search manager must know how and what to collect.

Does the dog bark? How does it alert?

Don't be too quick to pass critical judgement on the dog if he does not appear to be working properly. The dog can only work a scent if it is there.

Invite the dog handler into the search planning session.

Why use a Search Dog Team?

A qualified Search Dog team could work a search over 24 hours old by trailing or air scenting, given the right conditions.

An air scenting dog can alert on the victim's scent - dead or alive, because the victim is still emitting., if in the right general area.

A searcher has a greater chance of missing evidence (scent/odor) or victim.

Handling Evidence or Scent Article

A scent article belonging to the victim can be invaluable to the search dog team. The article should have a strong and recent scent (use) - such as, pillow case, PJ's, T-shirt, toque, hat, etc.

Have a pick up person get scent articles. Use tongs, if available, to put scent article in bag. Use inverted bag otherwise. Check if the scent article has been contaminated by contact with other strong scent articles. Don't allow other people to handle or "prepare" articles for the pick up person. Make sure someone is home - for pick up.

For scent articles, some handlers prefer plastic freezer or ziploc bags, others prefer plain brown paper bags. It is up to the handler.